20MPH Plans For Winchester Go On Display

4th November 2013, 04:00

People in Winchester have the chance to find out more about plans to limit many roads in the city centre to 20 miles per hour.

A public exhibition is being hled at four venues; the Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, the BID offices in Parchment Street, the Winchester Discovery Centre and the Brooks Shopping Centre (ground floor) from Monday 4 November to Friday 15 November. Information boards will show the extent of the proposed scheme.

The proposal is for a 20mph speed limit around the inner core of the city centre and some outlying roads. The scheme is being promoted by Hampshire County Council, funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and delivered by Winchester City Council.

Staff from Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council will be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer questions on two dates during the exhibition period: Thursday 7 November (11am-2pm) and Tuesday 12 November (4pm-7pm), both at the Winchester Discovery Centre.

"These proposals for 20mph speed limits in the city centre represent a significant change for Winchester and we are keen that everyone who is interested has a chance to view the proposals.

"20mph speed limits are becoming regular and popular features in city centres, especially those with an historic environment and a strong tourist economy. Such limits have been shown to improve quality of life for local residents, shoppers and visitors and to improve traffic-flow and safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians."

Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive Member for Economy Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said:

"The proposed new 20mph limits are part of a wider pilot that has been introduced to address the concerns of local communities and test the effectiveness of 20mph limits in residential areas.

"The backing of local residents is vital if the new limits are to have an effect so I would encourage people to view the exhibitions and have their say."

The City Council will also be writing to key stakeholders about the scheme this month and advertising proposals formally with a publicnotice after the exhibition, probably in the New Year.